Cuts for Him and Her – Men’s fashion on the modern woman

Creative director Rita Colson and Model Jennifer Kamara – make up session just before the shoot

The short story

This article is not so much about me and what I am wearing but has everything to do with the look model Jennifer has on. You can read about the description of my look and it seasonal significance in my previous article “How to stretch your summer into autumn with a suit”. Right here right now, I just want to say men’s clothing rock. I mean how else can a woman wear an iconic piece of men’s item like a dress blazer and completely own it with such elegance and grace? One word, versatility!

Model, Jennifer Kamara

The long story

Ok now hear me out for a few minutes at least. This shoot or indeed this concept of sharing my wardrobe with Jennifer started off as a necessity which quickly turned out to be a total blessing and a revelation to me personally. I picket up the phone to style consultant and creative director Rita Colson two days before the shoot was due to resign myself to the fact that the shoot might be called off as the male models I casted to feature with me could not make it. Sensing the massive disappointment in my voice the genius that is Rita quickly turned my fortunes round by suggesting the use of a female model instead. I have to be honest and say that I was very wary and apprehensive of the idea at first for the simple reason that I wouldn’t know what to do if I should style a woman using my wardrobe. I mean I already planned and styled the male models so I struggled to replace that idea at such a short notice.

Model, Jennifer Kamara

You can image the relief and excitement I had when Rita offered to style Jennifer. With an entire floor to ourselves, we spent the whole day shooting and reshooting to get everything right. Because the shoot was a great success, I was able get enough content for four distinct articles two of which explores men’s clothing on women. I made the shoot with Jennifer into a mini two-part series with the first being this article and the second to follow soon.

Model, Jennifer Kamara

Anyway, who better to talk about this look than the person who put it together herself, Rita Colson. Below is a few paragraphs she put together for this article.

“Designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Ghost have sent dresses reminiscent of nightwear down the catwalk, and some stars have even worn nighties out on the town. It’s a real favorite on the red carpet.

There is nothing like a sexy slip dress with a masculine jacket to balance. As demonstrated by Rose Huntington when launching her collaboration with Marks and Spencer earlier this year.

This is the ultimate effortless look for the confident woman who likes to switch it up every now and then.

A Perfect solution for the festive seasons upon us. If a slip dress or a ‘nightie’ is too daring, this look can also be achieved with a bohemian or a Victoriana twist with a masculine jacket to balance.

Why not try it in one of this seasons must have hues ‘Masala Tones’ Paprika, plum, and burgundy to give it an autumnal touch”

Model, Jennifer Kamara

So there you have it. Here i was thinking the shoot was doomed only for it to turn out to be one of the best so far. Never underestimate the power of men’s clothing.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. I will try to reply to every comment or question

The pictures from the shoot look really good and love the outfit. it’s a bit sparse ok the content side and seems more about your struggles with the shoot and how your friend rescued the day rather than the pros and cons, the hows and why’s of introducing mens peices … this blog seems to be missing your usual creatively thought provoking style though. But then I’ve just thought maybe I misunderstood the concept of this blog or maybe you will be doing this in later blogs?

Hello Alhanna
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. Appreciate it. I personally think that the fact that we used men’s wear on women is thought provoking in itself as its not the norm. And as i mentioned in the article, there will be another article where i will elaborate on this concept. The general view is not to give a detailed explanation of how women should wear men’s clothing but for women to consider it as a viable option. However, i appreciate your comment and will take it into consideration and possibly add a touch of “pros and cons” as i suspect you are personally interested in this area. Thanks again and please come back 🙂